Arrangement for distributed control system

ABSTRACT

In an arrangement, functions and/or structures in a distributed control system ( 24 ) that works with a first protocol ( 28 ) are analysed and/or monitored. A first unit ( 23 ) is connected or can be connected to the control system, which first unit, due to its compatibility with the first protocol, receives and/or sends task instructions concerning the functions and/or structures. The first unit comprises or is connected to a second ( 22 ) and transforms at least those parts in the first protocol that relate to the task instructions concerning the functions and/or structures into a second protocol, by means of which the said tasks can be initiated and/or carried out in a tool arrangement ( 1 ) that is comprised in or can be connected to the second unit. This tool arrangement works with the second protocol, whereby primary readings and/or modifications in the first protocol on the basis of the analysis and/or monitoring can be carried out by means of secondary readings and/or modifications in the second protocol. The analysis and monitoring are simplified and tools and protocol-handling can be separated. In addition, time functions in the system(s) can be made unambiguous.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an arrangement for analysing and/ormonitoring functions and/or structures in a distributed control systemthat works with a first protocol.

The analysis and monitoring of functions in distributed systems arealready known, for example control systems for machinery, vehicles, forexample cars, processes, etc, of the type described in the patentapplications and patents submitted and obtained by the same applicantand/or inventor as in the present patent application. Reference is made,among other things, to SE 466 726 and SE 0101987-6.

Reference is also made to the fact that many machines, cars, etc, areconstructed with subsystems that work with protocols that are basicallydistinct, but that work together through gateways or protocolconverters. Thus, for example, in cars more sophisticated components canbe arranged to work with protocols based on CAN (Controller AreaNetwork), while simpler parts of subsystems work with, for example, LIN.

There is a need to be able to analyse, simulate and monitor thesubsystems in question using the same analysis tool and for this purposeit has been proposed that a special hardware module should be used,connected to the basic unit or tool via an interface. In addition to thenecessity of an additional interface, in this case a special version ofthe application is required.

There is also a need for an arrangement in which the tool, simulationand protocol functions can be allocated to different specialists in therespective fields, with the result that the development of tools andprotocols can be kept separate and that the tool developer does not needto have a thorough knowledge of the version of the protocol or that theprotocol developer does not need to have a thorough knowledge of thetool functions.

There is also a need, in connection with different subsystems of thiskind, to have arrangements for reliable and accurate indication of thetime, on which functions in the subsystem are to be based.

There is also a need to be able to allocate computation-intensive andmemory-intensive calculation and analysis tasks to differentincorporated components in an optimal way (cf. use of PC, PDA, etc). Itis also advantageous in certain connections to be able to utilizeunit(s) in or with different functions in different functional phases.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is, among other things, to solve thisproblem and propose an arrangement that considerably simplifies theanalysis and monitoring work and achieves an appropriate allocation ofthe tool, simulation and protocol functions.

The principle characteristics of the new arrangement are, among otherthings, the fact that a first unit is connected or can be connected tothe control system, which first unit, due to its compatibility with thefirst protocol, can receive and/or send task instructions concerning thefunctions and/or structures, and the fact that the said first unitcomprises or is connected to a second unit and transforms at least thoseparts in the first protocol that relate to the task instructionsconcerning the functions and/or structures into a second protocol, bymeans of which the said tasks can be initiated and/or carried out in atool arrangement that is comprised in or can be connected to the secondunit, which tool arrangement is arranged to work with the secondprotocol. In this way, primary readings and/or modifications in thefirst protocol on the basis of the analysis and/or monitoring can becarried out by means of secondary readings and/or modifications in thesecond protocol. The more concrete characteristics of the invention areapparent from the characterizing part of claim 1.

Further developments of the invention are apparent from the followingsubsidiary claims.

The problems described by way of introduction are solved by means ofwhat is proposed in the above.

The tool arrangement or basic unit can work with information stacks inseveral layers and can be designed to make possible analysis and/ormonitoring of one or more distributed control systems. In general, acomplete tool/analysis arrangement stack can logically be divided intothe following functions:

-   1. Graphical presentation function [TN1]-   2. Input data/output data function-   3. Analysis/Simulation/Processing function-   4. Database function-   5. Protocol function-   6. Network connection function.

For very simple protocols, all the functions can be carried out within aPC, but usually the functions 5 and 6 are allocated to one or two unitsthat are specially developed for the network protocol that is used inthe network that is to be analysed. The communication between the PC andthe special protocol unit takes place using any protocol and connectionstandardized for general exchange of data between the PC and itsperipherals, for example PCMCIA, V24, USB, etc. This communication onlytransfers data and the characteristics of the protocol are not used asbasis for the analysis/processing work or for characteristics of thedatabase. In order to solve the previously mentioned problems, thearchitecture is enhanced as follows for a first network protocol (whichcan be generic or special): [TN2] to which the following are connected,adapted for a second protocol:

-   1. Gateway function-   2. Analysis/Processing function-   3. Database translation function-   4. Protocol function-   5. Network connection function

Thus two or more units connected in series can be connected between thetool and the control system, where one of the units is connecteddirectly or via additional unit(s) to the control system. The toolarrangement can be arranged to handle tasks in an upper layer in thestack, while the said second unit is arranged to handle tasks in a layerbelow the upper layer in the stack. The other unit can be arranged tohandle tasks in a layer below the latter layer in the stack. [TN3] Thetool arrangement can be arranged to work with a protocol allocated toit, in such a way that task instructions regarding differences betweenthe functions related to the tasks in the stack of the unit connected tothe control system and the control system's actual functions can betransferred to the tool arrangement to instigate readings or to modifythe tasks by means of the allocated protocol. A gateway function orprotocol converter can transform task instructions in a protocolutilized by the control system into task instructions in the allocatedprotocol, or vice versa.

[TN4]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A currently preferred embodiment that has the significantcharacteristics of the invention will be described below, with referenceto the attached drawings, in which

FIG. 1 shows in block diagram form and in outline, the connection of thetool and the units to a control system comprising two control subsystemsand with reference to current technology,

FIG. 2 shows in block diagram form and in outline, parts of FIG. 1supplemented by parts specific to the invention,

FIG. 3 shows in block diagram form, a unit incorporated in the blockdiagram, and

FIGS. 4 and 5 show in block diagram form, further embodiments inrelation to the embodiments according to FIGS. 1-3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The tool or the tool arrangement consists of a number of modules orunits that are shown schematically in FIG. 1, where unit 1, the basicunit, comprises a unit suitable for human communication andcommunication with peripherals, for example, a PC or PDA of conventionaltype. In one embodiment, a unit 2, which comprises a PC-interface, isconnected to the unit 1. The connection is carried out via a connection3 that can be of a current type for connecting the peripheral unit to aPC, for example USB, Firewire, PCMCIA, PCI, Bluetooth, etc. The unit 2comprises a microprocessor with requisite peripherals, symbolized by 4,and a bus that comprises a first cable component 5′, a bus adapter unit5″ and a second cable component 5′″ that is connected to a contact 6 bymeans of which it is connected to the system bus 7 via the contact 6′connected to the bus. System modules connected to the system aresymbolized by 7″, 7″ and 7′″. The basic unit 1 comprises an appropriatedatabase 8, an application 9 that works together with this and anapplication interface (API) 10 working with the unit 2. By means ofdatabase edition 8′, [TN5] the user can edit the database and indicatehow the values in this are to be interpreted and represented on thescreen in the tool. Input of configuration data can be carried outdirectly from the PC's keyboard or from a configuration file. As anexample of a database editor can be mentioned “Navigator DatabaseEditor” from Kvaser AB, SE. The application is written in a commonlyused language, for example Delphi, C++ or Visual Basic. Examples of anapplication are Kvaser Navigator and API CANlib from Kvaser AB. Theconstruction is shown schematically by 11. An example of the unit 2 isLAPcan II and a unit 13 consists of DRVcan 251, these also beingproduced by Kvaser AB. With the described configuration and exemplifiedproducts, the system 7 can be analysed and can work with the protocolCAN and a physical interface according to the specification for PhilipsCANdriver 82C251. An additional unit corresponding to the unit 13 can beconnected to the unit 2 with the designation LAPcan II for simultaneousanalysis of an additional system 12 with a different physical interface,for example according to Philips 1053. This is shown by 12. The unit 13is here adapted to this bus and can consist of DRVcan 1053 from KvaserAB. The unit 13 contains a memory with information concerning thephysical interface. By reading off the memory content during a start-upphase, the application can adapt itself to the relevant interface. Thisis described in detail in the Swedish patent SE 466 726. Additionalsystems can be analysed at the same time by connecting to the basic unitadditional units corresponding to the units 2 and 13. It is common toall the systems in this case that all work with protocols based on CAN.A modern PC has sufficient computing power and memory space to hold asophisticated database and to carry out computationally-intensivecalculation and analysis tasks. A PDA is more limited in this respect,for which reason it can be appropriate to allocate more computationally-and memory-intensive tasks to the unit two and/or to reduce the capacityof the tool in a PDA version. This can, for example, be carried out byusing the PC version as a “programming tool” for the PDA version.Special analysis configurations and part of the database necessary forthese, and a fixed presentation configuration of the analysis result onthe PDA's screen. [TN6] After it has been determined in the PC whichtasks are to be carried out and how the result is to be presented, aconfiguration file is generated which is then downloaded to the PDA. Theconfiguration can be carried out in stages, for example with a separateconfiguration of the presentation-function, another for the databasefunction, etc.

Many machines, cars, etc, are constructed with subsystems that work withprotocols that are basically distinct but that work together throughgateways. Examples of this can be found in cars, where certain moresophisticated components work with protocols based on CAN, while simplersubsystems work with the protocol LIN. The CAN components can beanalysed with CANtool, for example Kvaser Navigator, and LIN systemswith LINtool, for example LINspector from Volcano Automotive. As CANsystems and LIN systems often work together via a gateway, there is aneed to analyse these in the same analysis tool. Vector-Informatik ABhas solved the problem for its tool “CANalyzer” with a special hardwaremodule “LINda”, directly connected to the basic unit via aV24-interface. In addition to an additional interface for the basicunit, this solution requires a special version of application.

The tools known to date have limitations dependent upon theirarchitecture. For analysis of the communication in systems of the typedescribed, it is essential to be able to relate in time events that haveoccurred in the different subsystems. In the solution according to theinvention, as shown in FIG. 2, this can be carried out simply betweentwo systems 24, 25 as the two systems are connected to the same unit 22(cf. the unit 2) and the events can accordingly be timed using the sameclock. It has already been mentioned that more than two systems can beanalysed by connecting additional units 22 to the unit 21 (cf. unit 1).However, this has the disadvantage that the events are related to theclock of the respective connected unit 22. Accuracy will be poor forcomparisons of events that take place in subsystems that are connectedto different units 22. A first step that is made possible by means ofthe invention is to solve the problem for two subsystems 24, 25 workingwith different protocols. By connecting one subsystem 24 that works witha protocol allocated to it to a tool 21 developed to fulfill theanalysis requirements imposed by this subsystem and connecting thesecond subsystem 25 that works with a protocol allocated to it to thetool's unit 22 via a unit 23 with suitable characteristics, severaladvantages are obtained in comparison to the known solution. Suitablecharacteristics for the unit 23 are that it is to be able to act as agateway or protocol converter between the two protocols, that it can beconnected directly to a second network 25 or via a unit 26 and also thatit can carry out analysis tasks on the unit's 22 protocol. In this way,an existing tool for a protocol can easily be enhanced in order toanalyse a new protocol. The development of the new enhancement islimited to a new unit 23 and a message/command protocol for translationof messages occurring in the protocol for the unit 22 into a suitableform for use in databases and interpreters for the tool's protocol. Fora user, it is a great advantage that he can use his existing tool, andfor the tool producer, it is a great advantage that the basicdevelopment can be carried out in a completely separate environmentwithout affecting other parts in the tool.

The tool according to FIG. 2 thus consists of a basic unit 21 and a unit22 according to the previous description. A unit 23 is connected to theunit 22, which unit 23 is in turn connected to a system (controlsubsystem) 24. The unit 22 can be connected to a second system (controlsubsystem) 25 via a unit 26 as previously described (cf. also 13). Thecommunication between the unit 21 and the unit 22 is carried out bymeans of a protocol symbolized by 27, between the unit 22 and the unit23 by means of a second protocol symbolized by 28, and between the unit23 and the analysed system by means of a third protocol symbolized by29. By the term protocol is meant here a basic-protocol supplemented byhigher layers. These layers differ from the layers of the currentOSI-model. Many tasks that according to the OSI-model are handled by thelowest layers can be handled by higher layers. For example, the protocol27 can be based on a suitable variant of USB supplemented byAPI-functions that are tailor-made for a particular unit 22. Theprotocol 28 can be based on the same protocol with additions speciallydeveloped for the unit 23, or alternatively based on a different basicprotocol, for example CAN, adapted for the unit 23. These adaptationscan be completely specified or can be able to be customized with amodifying protocol. As a comparison, J1939 can be mentioned as anexample of a completely specified protocol based on the basic protocolCAN and CanKingdom can be mentioned as an example of a protocol that canbe customized, this also being based on CAN, with which a completelyspecified protocol can be defined. Corresponding principles can beapplied for the basic protocol 28, in order to obtain the said protocol.The protocol 29 is always the same protocol as the one used in thesystem 24 or 25. There can be additional protocols, specially adapted tobe used in a configuration or start-up phase.

FIG. 3 shows schematically the construction of a unit 23 according toFIG. 2. For the sake of clarity, it is provided with twomicroprocessors, but the task can be solved with one microprocessor. Theunit 23 [is] connected on one side to a system 301 via the contacts 302,303 and the connection lead 304. [TN7] The signals on the bus can beread by the microprocessor 306 via the interface electronics 305. Usinginstructions stored in the memory 307, the signals can be interpreted inaccordance with the protocol 308 used in the system. In its simplestform, the interpretation can involve only the received bit pattern beingtransferred, but the interpretation can be of an extensive nature wheremuch supplementary information provided according to the rules of theprotocol is added by the microprocessor. The information thusinterpreted is transferred to the dual-ported memory 309. Additionalinformation of interest can be added to the interpreted information, forexample time-stamping indicating when the information was obtained fromthe system. The time is obtained from the clock 310 that is triggered ina suitable way by the interface electronics, for example when thereception of a message commences. The information is stored in thedual-ported memory in an organized way according to rules adaptedaccording to the requirements of the system protocol, so that specificinformation is stored in a specific location indicated by the table 311.The dual-ported memory 309 can be read by the microprocessor 312 whichcan communicate according to a second protocol using rules stored in thememory 313 and physically via the interface electronics 314 with thesecond unit 315. In the memory 313 are also stored rules for how theinformation stored in 309 according to the rules in 307 and 311 isconverted according to the rules for the second protocol. The clock 310can be symbolized [TN8] with the clock in the second unit 315 via theprotocol or by a separate clock synchronization connection. For examplesof synchronization via protocols, refer to CanKingdom. In this way, allthird units connected to a second unit can be time-synchronized. Analternative solution is that the third units are connected together witha synchronization cable. The unit 23 can also simulate a modulecompletely or partially using appropriate software.

FIG. 4 shows a variant of the utilization of the invention. In a firststage, the tool 401, which is implemented on a PC 402, which isconnected to a second unit 403 and a third unit 404, is equipped with anenlarged permanent memory and/or with a temporary memory 405 that can befitted. The tool arrangement is connected to a system 406 and connectedfor direct analysis of the system, carried out by a human user 407. Theuser acquires experience of what it is important to check and verify inthe system in order to ensure a reliable functioning. When theexperience has been acquired, rules are generated for how the analysiscan be repeated automatically, for example which messages need to bechecked, sequences of messages on both sides of a given message withgiven content that must be saved for further analysis, which messagesare to be saved upon the appearance of error messages, activetransmission of messages in given situations, etc. These rules are savedin the form of a data file that can be downloaded to the third unit 404.In addition, the user draws up rules for a subsidiary database adaptedfor a PDA and rules for how collected information and the analysisresult are to be presented in a PDA. These rules are compiled in one ormore files that can be interpreted by a PDA with appropriate software.These files are also able to be downloaded to the third unit. In thisfirst stage, the third unit 404 acts as interface between the system andother parts of the tool.

In a second stage, the generated files are downloaded to one or morethird units. This can be carried out directly using serial communicationor via a temporary memory. Using instructions from these files, thethird unit can then independently collect and process informationimportant for the analysis and save it in the enlarged memory. Thus, ina simple way a large number of third units can be connected to anequally large number of systems, for example a fleet of vehicles. Thethird units function in this second stage as sophisticated data loggers.

In a third stage, a technician 408 with a PDA 409 can connect this to athird unit 404′″ which worked for a time in the system 406′″. The PDA'ssoftware 410 starts by uploading via a Bluetooth connection 411 thefiles that are stored in the third unit equipped with Bluetoothinterface 412 with information about how the analysis is to be presentedin the PDA, how the database is to be organized and how the furtheranalysis is to be carried out. In this way, a large number oftechnicians can analyse a large number of systems in an organized way.In this third stage, the third units function together with therespective PDAs as a tailor-made analysis tool.

A further embodiment is shown in FIG. 5. A distributed control system ordata collection system 501 works with a first protocol 502 and comprisesa number of modules 503 and 504 for different tasks. For example, themodule 503 is arranged to carry out temperature measurement using thesensor 505, while the module 504 can carry out several tasks 506, 507,which can be selected by means of commands. The commands i1, i3 andcommand responses i1′, i3′, and signals i2, i4 and signal responses i2′,i4′ are exchanged utilizing the first protocol via the link 508. A firstunit 509, arranged for communication with the system and at leastcertain analysis of the same utilizing the first protocol, is connectedto the link and can exchange signals and commands i1, i1′, i2, i2′, i3,i3′, with a first structure and function adapted in accordance with therequirements of the system and the first protocol. The first unitcomprises a conversion unit 510 which can convert signals and commandsfrom the first structure and function in accordance with the firstprotocol and the requirements of the system to a second structure andfunction adapted to a system, real or virtual, working with a secondprotocol 511 with similar requirements. The converted signals andcommands, in whole or in part, marked in the Figure by ii1-ii4′, aretransferred via the link 512 to a second unit 513 arranged to work withthe second protocol and to forward these in more or less processed formto the tool 514. The tool 514 is arranged to work with the secondprotocol and the system with functions such as scanning of messages 515,control functions 516, analysis functions 517 and structure functions518. The flow described can take place in the reverse direction from thetool to the first system, with signals and commands generated for thesecond system and protocol being sent via the second unit to the firstunit where signals and commands are converted to structure and functionin accordance with the requirements for the first system and the firstprotocol. It is also within the concept of the invention to utilize asecond module 519 in the system as gateway for the communication betweenthe first unit and the tool. In vehicles, such a module can suitably bea module capable of telephone communication between the vehicle and thepublic telephone network or a module for statutory diagnosisinformation, so-called “OnBoard Diagnostics” (OBD), and the secondprotocol can then suitably be a standardized diagnosis protocol, forexample a variant of KWP 2000 for CAN (ISO 15765). The unit (PDA or thelike) or second part that can be connected to the computer or the firstpart (PC) is capable of carrying out part of the tasks that the PC cancarry out. These tasks are configured in the PC and downloaded to thePDA in configuration files. The PDA or the like can consist of astandard unit that does not have a relevant interface, for example aCAN-interface. The PDA can be replaced by a simpler unit withindications, for example lamp, lights, signal device, etc, thatindicates whether the system tested, simulated, etc, by the unitfulfills predetermined functions or specifications. The PDA or the unithas limited communication with the user and in this way simplifiedprocedures can be utilized for testing or the like. If the PDA (PersonalDigital Assistant) or the unit gives a signal that the test or the likecannot be carried out, it can be connected to the more powerful PC,which can download additional or other tasks instructions to the PDA,for example after it has carried out the analysis, simulation, etc, ofthe given information. The PDA or the like can also be disconnected fromthe PC with a special means of disconnection (not shown) after thedownload and can be utilized for other systems than those shown. SeveralPDAs can be loaded from the PC and allocated to various technicians inthe field. The unit 2 according to FIG. 1 can alternatively consist of aPDA unit la with connections 3′, 3″ and 3′″ to the tool component 1(3′=permanent and 3″=wireless) and the unit 2 respectively, which inaccordance with what is described below can then form a first unit, withthe PDA unit being regarded as being incorporated in a tool arrangementwith the unit 1. The third unit 13 belongs to the area 5 withconnections to the subsystem 12. According to FIG. 2, the units 22, 23can alternatively be incorporated in a unit 30 that is available on themarket as a combined unit. The tool arrangement comprises asophisticated part 21 and a less sophisticated part (PDA) 21 a. Theconnections 31, 32, 33, 34 are arranged in a corresponding way to 3, 3′,3″, and 3′″. In the unit 30′, the said unit (23′) in FIG. 3 is able tobe connected to the unit 315 (or vice versa). The connectors are shownby 316, 317. A communication circuit 318 is connected to amicroprocessor 319 with incorporated peripherals, includingmemory/memories. A memory module 320 is arranged with logging equipment,recording and playback facilities, etc. A memory connected to themicroprocessor is writable and readable from two (both) directions, thatis from both the bus side and the system side. The memory can be dividedinto a number of subsidiary memories with different algorithms that arepassword-protected. The content can thus be encrypted. Verifications andsignalling are protected by codes, passwords, etc. A random numbergenerator, PGP (Pretty Good Privacy), can be incorporated in thefunction. [TN9] A connection device 322 is incorporated in a functionfor simple handling in the field. The equipment 315 indicates testresults with a “Yes” and “No” function. Upon successful completion ofthe test, a device (lamp, bell, etc) 323 can be activated. If theequipment and the test function programmed therein receive a negativeindication that the vehicle/car (the test object) does not fulfill therequirements laid down, the device 324 is activated. The devices 323,324 can consist of a device that operates with different colors,signals, etc, see above. A random number generator is also connected tothe microprocessor 319 which generates random numbers for codefunctions, etc. Communication circuits for Bluetooth and USB (forexample) are indicated by 326, 327. Connectors 328, 329 make possibleconnection of basic tool components 330 (PDA) and sophisticated toolcomponents 331, which components can also be connected to the circuit326 in the case of Bluetooth. The connections 332, 333, 334, 335 can becable-based or wireless connections. PDA 330 can thus be connected bywireless means to the circuit 326 (see 334) and the component 331 (see335). A protocol for CAN, USB, etc, is indicated by 336. A protocol 337can be based on USB and a protocol 338 is based on Bluetooth. A protocol339 can be based on PCPIP (Word Wide Web). [TN10] See the above,regarding the said protocols. The user can specify that what is to besent is to go under, for example, KVASER's ID, whereupon KVASER providesthe relevant ID. The unit 23′ contains a part 309 with a part 309 a(1/0) that works with digital and/or analogue functions. The part 309 acomprises inputs and/or outputs for 309 b for the said functions. Theequipment can be arranged to work with hard-coded serial numbers and ID.Memory areas that are writable and readable from the PC-side areavailable for this purpose. Customer numbers for systems and PCs can beused. Verifications and digital signatures are arranged to be carriedout with hard-coded keys. The PDA unit can be replaced by a simpler unitwith the said functions for approval and non-approval, that is the unithas communication to the user that is even more limited than that of thePDA. The powerful PC part can be consulted or can take over the test inthe event of non-approval. In one embodiment, the PDA unit can solveonly known problems. Interaction can take place by data and/or voice.Problems that are not resolved at the PDA-level are resolved at PC-leveland entered in the database, whereby both the problem and its solutionbecome known and can thereafter, for example, be included in those thatare to be resolved using the PDA or unit in question. Signalling andverification can be carried out with asymmetric ciphers both between PCand PDA and between PDA and vehicles/cars (test objects). With PGP, oneand the same symmetrical key is encrypted. In FIG. 5, 520 is a wirelessconnection between the units 513 and 519.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above by wayof example, but can be modified within the framework of the followingpatent claims and the concept of the invention.

1. An arrangement for at least one of analyzing, simulating andmonitoring functions and/or structures in a distributed control system(24) that works with a first protocol (29), comprising: at least onefirst unit (23, 26) connected to the distributed control system viacontacts (5′, 6′, 6″), the at least one first unit, by means of thefirst protocol, receives and/or sends task instructions concerning themonitoring functions and/or structures; and a second unit (22) connectedthe first unit and to a tool arrangement interactable with a user andfurther comprising: a first computer (21) able to carry out calculation,simulation and/or analysis tasks, or a second computer connected to thefirst computer that is adapted to configure the second computer, whereinthe second computer is adapted to carry out at least some of the tasksof the first computer, wherein the at least one first unit transforms,at least those parts in the first protocol (29) that relate to saidtasks into a second protocol (28), by means of which the tasks or partsof tasks can be carried out by the second unit (22), wherein the secondunit, by means of the second protocol (28) or a third protocol (27), cancommunicate with the tool arrangement, which by readings and/ormodifications in the first protocol and in the first and secondprotocols, respectively, can carry out the readings and/or modificationsin a same way in the second and third protocols, respectively, whereinthe at least one first unit (23, 26) further comprises at least onemicroprocessor which communicates partly with the distributed controlsystem by means of a connection, a protocol and a bit speed valid forthe distributed control system, and communicates with the second unit(22), wherein the second unit is equipped with at least onemicroprocessor adapted to communicate and exchange information with theat least one first unit and the tool arrangement, and wherein primaryreadings and/or modifications in the first protocol on the basis of theanalysis and/or monitoring can be carried out by means of secondaryreadings and/or modifications in the second protocol.
 2. The arrangementaccording to claim 1, wherein the second protocol is developed to serveas a common platform for the analysis tasks of two or more systems withdifferent protocols.
 3. The arrangement according to claim 1, whereinthe second unit provides a common time base for units working inparallel.
 4. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the at leastone first unit is arranged for independent collection, processing andsaving of information from the connected distributed control system andin that the information generated in this way is arranged to be able tobe read and/or interpreted via information generated by the second unit(22).
 5. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein second parts oftask instructions downloaded or transferred from the first computer (21)can be allocated for use in second computer units in different systems.6. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein during interactionbetween the first computer and the user, rules are generated forautomatic repetition, and the rules are further modified for a secondcomputer with regard to the collected information and presentation ofresults of the analysis task.
 7. The arrangement according to claim 1,wherein the tool arrangement is adapted with a connection arrangementadapted to communicate with one or more of the microprocessors viaserial or wireless communication.
 8. The arrangement according to claim1, wherein the first or second unit is adapted to communicate via aserial communication in one direction and with a microprocessor (4) viaa serial communication towards the other direction and to work with areduced interface toward users.
 9. The arrangement according to claim 1,wherein the first or second unit communicates with one or more units viaa serial communication by means of the at least one microprocessor andworks with a reduced interface toward at least one user, carries outprocessing of signals from an other unit according to rules attainedfrom the other unit, and comprises a number of units havingmicroprocessors which communicate with serial communication.
 10. Thearrangement according to claim 9, wherein the units further comprise alocal clock which respectively is adjusted or related to a clock in theother unit.
 11. The arrangement of claim 7, wherein the communication isby at least one of USB, Bluetooth and Ethernet.
 12. The arrangement ofclaim 8, wherein the serial communication is by at least one of CAN andLIN and the reduced interface is at least one of light diodes andsummers.
 13. The arrangement of claim 9, wherein the serialcommunication is by at least one of CAN and LIN and the reducedinterface is at least one of light diodes and summers.